100,000+ CASES ANNUALLY
Our Neurodiagnostics
At SpecialtyCare, we know that patient care begins with accurate diagnostics tests. This is why doctors all over the nation depend on us for our leading neurodiagnostics services and supplies. Physicians depend on our leading cerebral hemodynamic monitoring and diagnostic services, including transcranial Doppler ultrasound, carotid duplex ultrasound, and electroencephalography (also known as an EEG). These tests are found to be non-invasive, cost-effective, and make for a better patient experience while providing the reliable guidance physicians need to evaluate treatment options that will help patients feel better faster. At the end of the day, we always guarantee consistent and exceptional patient care.
The members of SpecialtyCare’s neurosurgical and neurodiagnostic services division support nearly 100,000 procedures annually. This number of procedures makes us the market leader and that means experience when it matters most. We are committed to our patients, and we value ongoing training and education, advanced certification, and data-driven research and innovation. The result is unmatched expertise and consistent exceptional performance from our clinicians. Their first and last goal is always patient care.
SpecialtyCare Neurodiagnostics & Offerings
Neurodiagnostic tests and procedures are important tools for doctors. By reliably confirming or ruling out the presence of neurological disorders and other conditions that affect blood flow within the brain, patients can get on the road to recovery more quickly. Some procedures are performed in specialized settings, but many tests that are conducted in a hospital can now be performed conveniently in a doctor’s office or an outpatient testing facility, with little risk to the patient, if any. Our expert medical and technical staff have extensive experience and use the latest technology and techniques. We are accredited in vascular testing from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. Here is what we offer:
- Transcranial Doppler (TCD) Ultrasound
- Carotid Duplex (CD) Ultrasound
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
Listen to Checking the Vitals
In this podcast we dive deep into the healthcare space, from the people that dedicate their lives to patient care to the companies improving patient outcomes through innovation. From well-respected surgeons and thought leaders to those on the front lines of healthcare, we’ll bring you conversations with those making a difference both in the OR and beyond. Through in-depth interviews with nurses, sterile processing technicians, clinical managers, and even healthcare technology companies and startups, we’ll discuss what’s on the horizon in the industry in regards to careers, technology, and innovation.
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Transcranial Doppler (TCD) Ultrasound
TCD determines the blood flow in the major arteries of the brain and is sometimes called “the physician’s stethoscope” for the brain. It is a non-invasive, non-expensive exam that produces fast and reliable results. TCD is especially useful in detecting cerebrovascular disease and evaluating stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), and can also be used to:
- Record potential emboli in cerebral vessels in real time, the only protocol that makes this possible and a key diagnostic tool in critical care
- Evaluate stroke or transient ischemic attack at the bedside or in an outpatient setting
- Reduce the use of conventional studies (angiographic/MRI/MRA/CT/CTA) by providing a less expensive and non-invasive evaluation of the cerebrovascular hemodynamic
- Detect cerebrovascular disease, which is characterized by obstructions and altered flow in cerebral vessels
- Prevent intraoperative and postoperative complications of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid stenting procedures
TCD is also an important tool in critical care settings for monitoring the natural course of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in the ICU, for evaluating the effect of medical treatment or intervention, for forecasting, and for identifying high-risk patients for onset of cerebral ischemia after SAH and in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Carotid Duplex (CD) Ultrasound
CD provides valuable information regarding the carotid arteries and blood flow to the brain. This non-invasive ultrasound can assess hemodynamics and detect possible underlying arterial disease.
High-frequency sound waves are directed from a hand-held transducer probe at the neck. These waves “echo” off the arterial structures and produce an image on a monitor that shows obstructions or narrowing of the arteries caused by atherosclerotic plaque or thrombosis (blood clots). CD can be used to:
- Evaluate the carotid arteries to decrease the risk of a future stroke
- Investigate dizziness, memory loss, stroke, loss of muscle control, and other symptoms that might result from carotid artery stenosis
- Screen patients for carotid endarterectomy and, if combined with MR angiography and transcranial Doppler, provide an alternative to conventional angiography in the pre-operative assessment
- Determine the degree of carotid artery stenosis in patients with suspected or confirmed carotid artery disease to determine whether surgery or medication is needed
Electroencephalography (EEG)
An EEG records the electrical activity in the brain similar to how an electrocardiogram (EKG) records the electrical activity of the heart. Recording the activity of the brain’s cortex and assessing whether a brain is functioning at an altered level of awareness is a vital diagnostic tool for physicians. Irregularities identified through testing can help evaluate syncope (loss of consciousness) and other conditions, such as:
- Seizure disorders (such as epilepsy)
- Head injury or tumor
- Transient ischemic attacks
- Encephalitis
- Encephalopathy
- Memory problems
- Sleep disorders
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Narcolepsy
FAQ About Neurodiagnostics & Testing
Diagnostic tests and procedures are vital tools that help physicians confirm or rule out the presence of a neurological disorder or other medical condition. Some procedures are performed in specialized settings, but many tests that were previously conducted in a hospital can now be performed conveniently in a physician’s office or outpatient testing facility, with little if any risk to the patient.
What do the tests tell me and my doctor?
Our transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound, carotid duplex (CD) ultrasound, and electroencephalography (EEG) are non-invasive tests that help a physician diagnose or rule out a variety of neurological conditions. TCD uses ultrasound to measure the blood flow within the brain. CD uses ultrasound to determine how well blood is flowing through the big arteries in the neck that carry blood to the brain. An EEG records the electrical activity in the brain similar to how an EKG records the electrical activity in the heart.
Does it hurt?
No. EEGs, TCDs and CDs tests do not hurt. There is no pain or discomfort associated with these tests.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
For a TCD or CD, there are no special preparations. For an EEG, aside from your doctor’s orders, you should avoid caffeine for three hours before the exam because often an EEG needs to record your brain activity while you are awake, drowsy, and during brief sleep, if possible.
Are there any side effects or after effects of the test?
There are no side effects. There may be some ultrasound gel in your hair at your temples or neck after a TCD or CD, or some electrode cream in your hair after an EEG. The gels and cream will easily wash out.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary from region to region, state to state, and clinic to clinic. Ask your doctor. Usually the costs are much less than an X-ray or other imaging methods, like an MRI or CT.
What exactly happens during the test?
You may be asked to turn your head, open and close your eyes, or perform a breathing exercise. Mostly, however, the patient is simply asked to lie still and remain quiet during the tests.
When will I get the results of my test?
Typically, the doctor will receive the results the next day. If there is a need to get the information faster, we can process your results more quickly.
Why Us? Why SpecialtyCare for Neurodiagnostic Services?
We understand that the OR plays a vital role in the overall success of your hospital. That’s why we offer even more than high-quality clinical expertise. We know what’s at stake clinically, operationally, and financially, and that’s why we’re here to help. In fact, it’s our goal to help you build an operating room of excellence.
The roots of SpecialtyCare extend back more than a quarter century. Since then we’ve been committed to helping leading healthcare systems provide exceptional care, improve outcomes, lower readmission rates, and optimize efficiency levels while simultaneously creating loyal, long-term customers.
Partner With SpecialtyCare Neurodiagnostics
At a time when change is certain, partners who know how to improve the delivery of healthcare are critical to your success. SpecialtyCare’s patient-focused services minimize clinical variation, resulting in greater patient safety, improved clinical outcomes, and lower costs. As a result, our customers get the reliable, consistent value they need to be leaders. Today, you need reliable, proven clinicians who align with your goals, who care as much about your patients and your success as you do. Delivering higher value healthcare is a top priority, and the key to better value is providing patients with the best quality care and outcomes while avoiding and reducing. Our customers know this. It’s why more than 700 hospitals and 2,300 surgeons across America trust us with our neurodiagnostic services division. We’ve been dedicated to improving patient care for three decades now.
At SpecialtyCare, we want to help you assemble a surgical room of excellent support for the patient and to provide the best possible outcome every single time. The patient is always the first and last thing on the minds of our technicians at SpecialtyCare. Please reach out to us today if you’re in need of support in the operating rooms.